Diversity & Inclusion Interview Series: Microaggressions In The Workplace

Today, my guest, Roshaunda Green, is going to help you understand microaggressions in the workplace.  She is a subject matter expert in Diversity and Inclusion with over 10 years of corporate experience in this field. Each interview in this series includes the BASICs, WHYs AND HOWs regarding an important aspect of diversity and inclusion.

Microaggressions in the workplace are defined as “brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities. Whether intentional or unintentional, those comments communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults to marginalized individuals and groups at work.” The “micro” in microaggression refers to person-to-person interactions. You can think of microaggressions as constant stings and barbs. They negatively impact job satisfaction, self-esteem, and mental health issues of your black employees. They can also impact physical health.

Recently, some companies have come out in support of Black Lives Matter. They gave statements in support of diversity and inclusion. However, if we are to address bias, discrimination or racism in the workplace, we need to discuss microaggressions — something that businesses rarely address. And microaggressions extend beyond race!

Highlights

• 0:00 – 1:06 – Introduction
• 1:07 – 1:56 – What is the definition of microaggression
• 1:57 – 3:49 – Why is mutual respect really important to remember when communicating at work?
• 3:50 – 4:29 – Why it’s important to notice body language, listen to your inner voice and filter your words
• 4:30 – 4:56 – Two important factors to successfully navigate through microaggressions
• 4:57 – 7:23 – What do you do when you “step in it” and need to clean up the mess?
• 7:24 – 8:33 – Steps to take when the other person doesn’t want to discuss this issue
• 8:34 – 10:02 – Taking personal responsibility
• 10:03 – 10:56 – How to disarm and move forward
• 10:57 – 11:28 – When the other person says, “No, I’m good.”  But you don’t a resolution
• 11:29 – 12:20 – Real life examples of microaggressions
• 12:21 – 13:42 – Step by step – how to deal with it
• 13:43 – 15:59 – Avoiding a back and forth “attack”
• 16:00 – 21:26 – Being politically correct and being yourself
• 21:27 – 27:36 – Great way to leverage BRGs (business resource groups) and ERGs (employee resource groups) to gain more insight and raise your awareness of diversity
• 27:37 – 28:13 – When to be a good wingman or wingwoman to help others learn and grow
• 28:14 – 28:39 – Summary of key points
• 28:40 – 31:50 – It may be intentional microaggression & what to do about it
• 31:52 – 32:33 – Important Reminders! 

So, let’s keep this conversation going! Whether you have ideas, questions, or insights please connect with me with me HERE. I can’t wait to hear from you.